Abdullahi backs Tinubu’s sports reforms, eyes NBBF presidency

President Bola Tinubu. State House

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi says his ambition to lead the Nigeria Basketball Federation is rooted in a desire to improve the administration of the game, strengthen players’ welfare and expand opportunities for young Nigerian talents.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Director of Youth of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors believes basketball can contribute more significantly to the nation’s economy if the federation embraces professional management, strengthens domestic competitions and attracts sustainable investment.

Abdullahi, who has spent more than 20 years as a basketball player and grassroots development investor, said his experience had given him firsthand knowledge of the challenges confronting the sport.

“I believe basketball should benefit from that direction,” he said, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed emphasis on the sports economy under the National Sports Commission.

Outlining his vision for the federation, Abdullahi pledged to promote professional administration, improve players’ welfare, develop stronger commercial partnerships and establish clear pathways for young athletes to progress through the ranks.

He also stressed the need for closer collaboration among state associations, clubs, coaches and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated development across the country.

His playing career includes appearances in Nigeria’s domestic basketball leagues, university competitions and the national youth setup, as well as a spell with Trafford Basketball Club in Manchester.

Through the DAM Foundation, Abdullahi said he had contributed to grassroots development by supporting the construction of a basketball court in Kano, organising competitions in Okene and backing an academy that serves more than 500 children.

He noted that although Nigeria had an abundance of talented young players, many lacked access to quality facilities, regular competitions and professional coaching needed to reach their potential.

According to him, providing infrastructure and organising grassroots tournaments are important steps, but sustained progress requires a coordinated system capable of supporting players throughout their development.

Abdullahi argued that individual initiatives could only achieve so much without strong institutions to coordinate grassroots programmes, support clubs and create pathways into professional basketball.

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He also praised the restoration of the National Sports Commission, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen sports administration and unlock the sector’s economic potential.

The Energy Commission chief commended the emphasis on the sports economy under NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, noting that sporting federations needed to improve their operational standards and attract private-sector investment.

He said the impact of the reforms should be assessed through measurable improvements in domestic competitions, athletes’ welfare and the ability of federations to secure sustainable commercial partnerships.

Abdullahi further called for transparent financial management, clearly defined development plans and measurable performance targets across sporting federations.

He advocated stronger partnerships with schools and universities to identify promising athletes early and provide them with structured opportunities to develop.

For him, sports must be viewed beyond international competitions and medal counts, as an industry capable of creating jobs for athletes, coaches, administrators and other professionals.

Turning to the expectations of young Nigerians ahead of 2027, Abdullahi said they wanted practical opportunities in education, employment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

He cited initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the N3m Technical Talent initiative as examples of government interventions aimed at addressing some of the barriers confronting young people.

He added that young Nigerians pursuing careers in sports similarly needed better facilities, organised competitions and clear opportunities for professional advancement.

Abdullahi, who serves as Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s Sports Mobilisation Committee, said the Renewed Hope Ambassadors engaged young people to explain government policies while listening to their concerns.

He maintained that the ultimate priority should be to ensure government policies and programmes deliver tangible benefits that young Nigerians can see and experience in their communities.